In efforts to bring about a new level of accountability within the school system, the Visiting Teacher Programme will be revived as the External School Inspectorate Programme.

Interim Education Minister Filipe Bole said the rationale behind the revival of the programme is to put in place a rigorous accountability process that will help enhance and improve student outcomes.

He said there is a growing need to professionally assist schools and teachers to develop educational strategies and a learning environment conducive to quality performance and improved educational outcomes.

The key areas the school inspectors will focus on for effectiveness and guidance of schools are the curriculum, teaching and learning, instruction and assessment.

Meanwhile, with an influx of private education providers establishing institutions in Fiji, the Ministry will also closely monitor these tertiary institutions particularly the English Learning Institute which targets foreign students who wish to learn the English language.